Archives: Press Releases

North Brookfield, Mass. (May 15, 2023) – Vibram^®, the global leader for over 80 years in high-performance soles and the creator of the Vibram FiveFingers^® minimalist footwear, launches the ‘Move Freely Experience’, an international grassroots events program starting now through 2023. The campaign introduces Vibram’s FiveFingers shoes to new sports consumers, fitness trainers of varied disciplines, and outdoor enthusiasts to engage with the Vibram brand and team.

Events are taking place in key cities across the globe including Boston, Boulder, Berlin, Chicago, London, Madrid, New York, Paris, Portland, and Seattle. Every experience is unique to the region, however, all feature an overview of the Vibram brand and heritage, a personalized FiveFingers fitting for each attendee, two FiveFingers-inspired workouts led by certified trainers, and healthy food and beverage menus.

Vibram debuted the FiveFingers shoe in 2006 which challenged the conventional approach to footwear. A shoe with five toes, fitted with a slim, flexible and deconstructed sole, which fits the foot like a glove. Vibram FiveFingers respects the natural functionality of the foot, allowing the wearer to feel the ground naturally with a level of protection. It rapidly captured the attention of footwear enthusiasts and athletes all over the globe for its philosophy towards the practicing of sport on all levels and across a range of disciplines. With models for fitness, running, trail running, water sports, excursions, everyday use, and training in general, Vibram FiveFingers is created for lovers of outdoor sports and much more, providing the sensation of being barefoot with all the protection guaranteed by a Vibram sole.

Global Chief Brand Officer and President of Vibram Corporation, Fabrizio Gamberini said, “Consumers around the globe are adopting a healthier lifestyle and they are specifically choosing Vibram FiveFingers for their outdoor and fitness pursuits. With our revamped models, our loyal fans and those new to our brand have more choices that provide best in class technology. The Move Freely Experience is a global welcoming event. Ultimately, this is about sharing Vibram FiveFingers with all current and potential consumers. Whether they’re lifting weights at the gym, taking a fitness class, or just walking, we want to motivate people to be the best they can be and walk in confidence with every step.”

The Move Freely global activation is supported by an award winning short film that develops the aesthetic and the functional cornerstones of the FiveFingers footwear. Starting from the imprint that the sole leaves on the ground, it depicts the features of the product in a cinematic key, using a symbolic and metaphorical language able to create strong iconic images that will remain in the mind of the viewer.

Dates and Locations: May 17 Portland; May 27 London; June 29 Boston; June 30 Paris; July 27 Berlin; August 16 New York City; September 23 Madrid; September 27 Boulder; October 25 Chicago; November 15, Seattle

 

About Vibram

Vibram is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance rubber soles for outdoor and leisure activities, workwear, fashion, orthopedics and correction. For more than 80 years, the yellow octagon that symbolizes Vibram has been synonymous worldwide with quality, performance, safety and innovation in the footwear industry. With its international headquarters in Albizzate (Varese) Italy, Vibram produces over 40 million soles every year, dedicates over one million kilometers to testing, is present in 120 countries and has manufacturing, research and representation bases in the USA, China, Japan, Brazil and Italy. For more information, visit www.vibram.com.

 

Annecy, France (May 10, 2023) — Two-time UTMB® winner, Hardrock 100 winner, and now trendsetter. Salomon trail running athlete Courtney Dauwalter has won just about every ultra-trail race one can enter, and she won them all wearing her signature loose-fitting, knee-length Salomon prototype shorts. Along the way, fans on social media have coined them the “shortneys” and now everyday women runners can have them, too. The women’s Shortney running shorts and T-shirt are now available for purchase on Salomon.com.

“I’m very excited that the Shortneys will be available for everyone, long inseam party!” says Dauwalter. “Being comfortable while running is the most important thing and providing this longer length short option for women is awesome.”

The oversized technical trail shorts and T-shirt inspired by Dauwalter combine ultra-comfort and lightness for long distance runners looking to push the limits and be comfortable while doing it. The shorts and shirt feature a quote from Courtney that reads: “No one else can run those miles for you.”

“Courtney has her own style and it’s all based on comfort and performance, which is what we aim to deliver in our S/LAB apparel products,” says Marthe Magis, Salomon’s Product Line Manager for Running Apparel. “We heard the call from trail runners and fans of Courtney to make her signature Shortney shorts and T-shirt available to all women runners. After some collaborative work with Courtney and our Service-To-Athletes design team, we’re excited to make the shorts and short a reality for the spring ’23 range.”

The Shortney shorts have a 26.5cm (10.23-inch) inseam and feature ultra-soft, lightweight stretch fabrics that dry quickly and keep you feeling comfy over any distance. The oversized design and lightweight, four-way stretch fabric is supported by elastic yarns to liberate your movements for an irresistible feeling of freedom. AdvancedSkin technical fabrics improve body comfort by keeping you dry, warm and protected when you need it and where you need it. The 37.5® Technology material optimizes your body’s microclimate to maintain an ideal core temperature, so you perform better, longer. It also dries five times faster than similar fabrics.

Sourced in Europe, the oversized, technical Shortney T-Shirt features an ultra-light natural blend for comfort and breathability. Merrow seams minimize friction, and the oversized fit liberates your movements. The 37.5® Technology material optimizes your body’s microclimate to maintain an ideal core temperature and dries five times faster than similar fabrics. Merino mesh wool inserts under the arms make the garment more breathable and help manage moisture and odors.

The Shortney shorts and t-shirt are available for purchase at Salomon.com. For more information on the apparel capsule and Salomon, please contact Corinne Baud at corinne.baud@rygr.us.

###

 

About Salomon: Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon creates premium footwear, apparel, gear and winter sports equipment that is superior in function, radical in design and obsessive in style. At the Annecy Design Center, engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to write the future of sports by creating products that transform outside sports experiences and enable a deeper connection with nature, allowing people to unleash the best version of themselves so that they might positively impact the world.

Washington, D.C. (May 10, 2023) — Expanding outdoor recreation access while fighting climate change and preserving biodiversity are some of the key benefits of natural climate solutions, according to a new policy report released today by Outdoor Alliance (OA), a non-profit working on behalf of the human-powered outdoor recreation community to protect public lands and waters.

The report, distributed this week to U.S. policy makers, details 15 concrete actions the U.S. can undertake to simultaneously address the growing demand for recreation, support the outdoor economy, ensure sustainable and equitable outdoor access, and protect nature — all while mitigating the effects of climate change.

Titled “A Vision for Protecting Nature: How Natural Climate Solutions Can Benefit the Climate and Outdoor Access,” the report is a roadmap to 15 climate solutions that the U.S. could undertake in the next two to five years. The full report is available to the public on the Outdoor Alliance website.

Outdoor Alliance will use the report to help guide its ongoing efforts to champion conservation-related causes on behalf of people who recreate outdoors. The report invites decision makers to work to advance these 15 actions, while extending an invitation to individuals, organizations, and partners to join in advocating for them as solutions.

“Protecting nature is a win-win-win solution, and we are in a critical moment to secure a future with more protected land and water,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “Expanding land protections, funding climate and the outdoors, and passing conservation reforms and strong recreation policy are four priorities that will provide climate benefits and sustainable, equitable outdoor recreation access for everyone in America.”

The report comes at a critical time, following the current administration’s commitment to 30×30, the goal of conserving 30 percent of lands and waters in the U.S. by 2030. Outdoor Alliance staff sees 30×30 as a useful framework for near-term conservation efforts.

In 2021, Outdoor Alliance produced a report in support of 30×30. This report, “How Outdoor Recreationists Can Support 30×30,” provided recommendations on how public lands and waters could be a part of climate solutions while also supporting equitable and sustainable access to outdoor recreation.

“Our support for 30×30 stems not just from our ambition for conservation, but from the recognition of 30×30’s potential to support goals in synergy,” Cramer said.

Today’s new report outlines four sections of proposed action, including:

• Land protections, such as protecting lands and waters as National Monuments, and Tribally-led conservation;
• Investments and funding, such as allocating resources and active stewardship to respond to the effects of the climate crisis;
• Legislative and administrative reforms, such as mining, and oil and gas reforms;
• Recreation policy, such as passing America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) to enhance the outdoor recreation economy, expand recreation opportunities, protect the outdoors, and ensure recreation remains sustainable.

“As with any major policy goal, it’s critical to success that people make their voices heard with their representatives in Congress,” said Cramer. “And we’ll be working to make sure the human-powered outdoor recreation community knows how they can most easily do that.”

 

About Outdoor Alliance 

Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.

 

SEATTLE (May 10, 2023) — Outdoor Research (OR), a leading outdoor gear and apparel company, has announced a strategic partnership with Nikwax, a pioneer in aftercare solutions for outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear.  The partnership will officially launch in September 2023.

Under the partnership, Nikwax will become OR’s preferred partner for after-purchase Durable Water Repellent (DWR) care and treatment. This collaboration is part of OR’s commitment to transitioning away from intentionally added per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which will be virtually complete by the Spring 2024 product line.

“This new relationship plays a vital role in our transition to a PFAS-free environment by providing our customers with the best-in-class aftercare products  in the market. Our goals are to help educate the consumer and our retail partners on the proper care of technical apparel to ensure their investment will maintain the high level of performance they expect from OR,” said Alex Lauver, Sr Director of Materials, Innovation, & Sustainability at OR.

Education is a crucial focus for both OR and Nikwax. Outdoor Research is committed to teaching consumers how to properly care for their products to ensure they last longer, perform better, and ultimately reduce their environmental impact. Nikwax shares this mission, as they have been providing high-quality, PFAS-free  aftercare solutions since 1977 and are dedicated to reducing the environmental impacts associated with the manufacture of outdoor gear.

“Circularity and clean chemistry have always been critical components of our business at Nikwax,” says Brian Davidson, President of Nikwax North America. “From our easy-to-use solutions that help people extend the life of their outdoor clothing, footwear, and gear, to our commitment to developing the highest performing DWR, while never having used PFAS. We are thrilled to have found a partner in Outdoor Research with a shared vision of promoting these sustainable practices.”

The partnership between OR and Nikwax will provide consumers access to high-quality aftercare solutions that promote sustainability and extend the life of their outdoor gear.

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration, and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners, and employees. For more information, visit www.outdoorresearch.com.

About Nikwax

Founded in 1977, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand’s 45-year commitment to clean chemistry means never using PFCs or aerosols, and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and lids are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 45 years of its operations and became an employee-owned trust in 2022.

ROCKFORD, Mich. (May 9, 2023) – Chaco, the outdoor shoe brand known for its iconic Z sandal, is thrilled to announce the return of the Fit for Adventure Tour in 2023. After two successful years of touring the country in a vintage school bus, Chaco is excited to bring back this popular activation, revamped with unique activities at select locations.

“Chaco Nation is at the center of everything we do,” said Lauren Poole, Sr. Marketing Director at Chaco. “Fans of the brand have traveled long distances to visit our Fit for Adventure Tour, sharing their stories of their favorite adventures—hiking, camping, and adventuring in their Chaco sandals—so we’ve updated our experience this year to thank the Chaco Nation for their loyalty. We have some fun surprises planned, are excited to meet our fans and followers on the road and bring smiles to their faces.”

Along with the one-of-a-kind events, loyal fans and newcomers alike can either have their beloved Z sandals repaired for free – or they can design a custom pair of Z/1 Classic Sandals (MSRP: $110) or Chillos Slides (MSRP: $40). Both repairs and custom sandals are handcrafted on-site inside the specially equipped vintage school bus. There will be exclusive webbings at select stops.

The Fit For Adventure Tour has kept thousands of sandals out of landfills and is an extension of the ReChaco Repair program – Chaco’s repair facility in Rockford, Michigan. To date, over 266,000 pairs of sandals have been repaired and returned to Chaco fans for years of adventure to come.

The 2023 Chaco Fit For Adventure Tour will kick off May 12^th in Grand Rapids, MI, and will stop in over 10 different cities across the country, including Denver, Nashville, and new, never before visited locations. The initial locations have been released, with more stops announced in May. Visit chacos.com/tour to see the full list of stops.

Want to know more about the one-of-a-kind events? Follow  @ChacoFootwear on Instagram and TikTok for tour updates. The Fit for Adventure Tour is free to attend and is open to the public.

 

About Chaco:

Born on the river in 1989, Chaco, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), builds premium footwear for the outdoor-minded. The brand’s iconic Z/sandals are repairable at ReChaco and more than 20,000 sandals a year are kept out of landfills every year. Plus, as a result of the brand’s proprietary LUVSEAT™ foot bed, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to all Chaco footwear styles. The APMA Seal is intended to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with comfort, health, and safety in mind. Simply put, Chaco is fit for adventure. Please visit us at www.chacos.com, Facebook: Chacos, Instagram: ChacoFootwear, TikTok: ChacoFootwear.

 

LONGMONT, Colo. (May 9, 2023) — deuter, the global leader in backpacks and outdoor equipment, is proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary as a pioneer and innovator in the world of mountain sports . Since 1898, deuter has been at the forefront of the backpack market, developing bold and leading edge products that have revolutionized the industry and today is Europe’s largest backpack manufacturer.

In celebration of the 125^th milestone, deuter is proud to launch the 125th Anniversary Collection, with its most popular backpack models, made using 100 percent recycled and bluesign® certified fabric. The backpacks are a tribute to the history of mountaineering and signify deuter’s desire to continue to shape the world of mountain sports with evolving innovations and a pledge to sustainability. The collection consists of hike, bike and lifestyle packs, including the Trail 22 SL, Trail 24 L, Race 12 L, Race Air EXP 14+3 L, and Step Out 22 L.

From the first ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1953 with Tauren backpack to the creation of the first Aircomfort back system with a mesh suspended back panel in 1984, deuter has consistently developed unique products that excellin quality, design, and functionality for mountain adventure. In 1990, deuter teamed up with Trans-Alp pioneer Andi Heckmair to create the first bike-specific backpacks for his journey across the Alps. Eight years later, in 1998, deuter worked with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides to create the iconic deuter Guide backpack. It was during that time that Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, an Austrian mountaineer, embarked on a quest to find expedition gear that would fit her body, laying the groundwork for the development of deuter’s SL models, which are backpacks specifically designed for women and individuals with shorter torsos.

“deuter’s 125 years of business is a testament to our innovative thinking, commitment to quality, and dedication to customer service. It is an honor to be part of this team, and I am proud of the hard work of our U.S. team, whose contributions have helped drive our growth over the past decade,” says Jonathan Degenhardt, managing director of deuter USA

The limited-edition heritage backpacks will be available for purchase on deuter’s website today. For more information about the collection, visit www.deuter.com

For media inquiries, please contact Senior Account Manager Maria Brickman: maria.brickman@rygr.us.

 

About deuter: From backpacking to mountain biking, alpinism, and travel, to child-carrying and family adventures, deuter crafts highly functional, comfortable, and environmentally friendly packs for everyone and everywhere. With over 120+ years of experience, deuter has played a vital role in shaping the culture of mountain adventure since its 1898 founding in Germany. deuter inspires every new generation of philosophers, women, pranksters, and rock n’ rollers to get outside and experience mountain adventures the way they want to. www.deuter.com

[Kittery, ME, May 8, 2023]—Good To-Go, the award-winning dehydrated gourmet meal brand founded by Chef Jennifer Scism, has added to its team hiring Kristen Murphy as its Marketing Manager. With a deep understanding of the outdoor industry, Murphy will be focused on growing Good To-Go’s audience and supporting its retail partners.

Murphy joins Good To-Go after 12 years at Vibram Corporation. During her time there she worked in various roles in both B2B and B2C, including Customer Service + Account Management, Partnership Marketing, and most recently, Digital Marketing where she managed the email + SMS activation strategy for Vibram USA.

“I’m thrilled to join Good To-Go and help bring our brand stories to life in fresh and innovative ways. I’m passionate about the outdoors and love eating delicious, healthy foods, so this feels like a perfect fit,” said Murphy.

“Kristen’s depth of experience and expertise in brand marketing will be a valuable asset to Good To-Go as we expand to serve the needs of both our end users and dealer network alike. She’s already making a significant impact and we couldn’t be happier to have her onboard,” said Matt Andrews, Good To-Go’s VP of Sales.

Good To-Go recently added a new meal, Breakfast Hash, for Spring 2023 to its menu. Available on its site and at retailers nationwide, this twist on a breakfast staple is made using only simple and clean ingredients, like butternut squash, spinach and onion, with a hint of rosemary. Traditionally served as a side dish, this Breakfast Hash is substantial enough to eat as a complete breakfast—though it pairs beautifully with eggs and bacon.

Good To-Go was founded by Jennifer Scism in 2014 with a mission to elevate expectations of what trail food can taste like. Scism was an award-winning chef and long-time co-owner of Annisa, a Michelin-rated restaurant in New York’s Greenwich Village. Her career has long been focused on the importance of good food. She has cooked at NY Times 4-Star rated restaurants, traveled to over 20 countries studying regional foods, and along with her team from Annisa, beat Mario Batali on the TV Food Network’s Iron Chef program. It’s safe to say she knows good food. The brand has won multiple awards including three Backpacker Editors’ Choice, Backpacking Light’s Members Choice, and was named to Saveur Magazine’s The Saveur 100 list of favorite foods, people, places and things. Today, Good To-Go is sold in over 700 stores nationwide and in Canada. More info can be found at www.goodto-go.com. For media inquiries, please contact Kate Ketschek, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

EDISON, N.J. (May 8, 2023) – Jelenew, a luxury high performance female sports brand with a cycling focus, today launches the SOMAtique collection of indoor cycling apparel consisting of bras, bib shorts, leggings, bike shorts, and skorts. Each product combines the brand’s proprietary technology CurveTec™ for best in class support for the riding enthusiast and French couture design for a sleek fit. Priced from $219.00 to $69.00, the line is available now at www.jelenew.com.

“The SOMAtique line is designed to enable indoor cyclists to have a similar experience to what they would enjoy outside focusing purely on their passion for cycling,” said Slindy Li, founder at Jelenew. “Our line is inspired by nature and includes features that provide added breathability, design that prevents fabric rolling up and shifting and moisture wicking properties. In addition, all fabrics are made from 100% Bluesign^® approved or OEKO-TEX^® certified biodegradable and recyclable materials. Jelenew products make the indoor riding experience more comfortable, while simultaneously creating silhouettes that are on trend, aesthetically pleasing and carry over from indoor, outdoor and in life.”

CurveTec

CurveTec uses draped tailoring and form fitting design supporting key muscle groups, especially during the active motion of pedaling. Specifically, this technology provides maximum mobility and enhances the indoor experience by supporting the core, lower back, shoulders, hips and thighs.

SOMAtique Collection

The SOMAtique collection halo products include:

• The Airlift Cross Front & Back Cycling Bra ($79.00) features natural cooling fabric and is available in black and white.
• The Cycling Bib Short ($219.00) uses a highly elastic compression fabric with custom breathable straps. The customized anti-slip legs have an ultra-wide silicone band keeping the short from riding up. Available in military green, bice, earthy yellow, and burgundy.
• The Colorblock Cycling Leggings ($219.00) utilize premium Italian fabrics providing ultimate comfort for indoor cyclists and active lifestyle consumers. The elastic compression materials with four-way stretch provide enhanced support and breathability. On the back of the legs, there is a triangular curve design enhancing the stability of the outer thigh muscles for an improved indoor cycling experience. The Colorblock Cycling Leggings are offered in black, blue, and earthy yellow.
• The Mid Rise Cycling Shorts ($159.00) use anti-slip silicone leg grippers to keep shorts from riding up. The Mid Rise Cycling Shorts are offered in black, light blue, green, and pink.
• The Current High Waist Skort ($119.00), inspired by European court skirts, features a high-waisted multi-panel tailoring for comfort, aesthetic appeal, and breathability. The moisture wicking fabric takes away sweat and provides additional comfort without sacrificing style. The functional design with CurveTec enables the indoor cyclist to have an enhanced range of motion. The Current High Waist Skort is offered in black, creamy white, and growth green.

For more information about the SOMAtique collection, please visit www.jelenew.com.

 

About Jelenew:

Jelenew was founded in 2021 with the goal of producing high-quality inclusive women’s cycling, fitness and athleisure apparel that can be worn for indoor and outdoor cycling, in addition to everyday activities including running, Pilates, and walking, among others. Jelenew’s key point of difference is its proprietary technology CurveTec™ inspired by French haute couture design using draped tailoring and form fitting design supporting key muscle groups, especially during the active motion of pedaling. Specifically, this technology provides maximum mobility for a female physique. CurveTec enhances the cycling experience by supporting the core, lower back, shoulders, hips and thighs.

Jelenew is committed to empowering women by partnering with key non-profit organizations around the U.S. that support women and help them become the best version of themselves.